What does Luke 19:Luke 19:17 say?

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

What does Luke 19:Luke 19:24 say?

And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

Luke 19:11-27 · Luke · Updated April 30, 2026

Parable of the Ten Minas

A nobleman entrusts ten of his servants with one mina each before leaving to receive a kingdom, expecting them to invest wisely in his absence.

Summary

The Parable of the Ten Minas unfolds as Jesus approaches Jerusalem, addressing those who expected the immediate appearance of the Kingdom of God (Luke 19:11). The nobleman, representing Christ, departs to receive a kingdom, entrusting his servants with ten minas, instructing them to 'Occupy till I come' (Luke 19:13). This charge implies active engagement and stewardship. Upon his return, the nobleman evaluates his servants. The first servant, who multiplied his mina tenfold, is commended and given authority over ten cities (Luke 19:16-17). Similarly, the second servant, who gained five minas, is rewarded with five cities (Luke 19:18-19). The third servant, however, presents the original mina, having hidden it out of fear (Luke 19:20-21). His inaction results in the mina being taken and given to the first servant (Luke 19:24). The nobleman's harsh judgment on his enemies who opposed his reign (Luke 19:27) concludes the parable, underscoring the theme of accountability and the consequences of rejecting divine authority.

Chiastic structure

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Luke 19:12

“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.”

Luke 19:13

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”

Luke 19:16-19

“Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.”

Luke 19:20-21

“And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:”

Luke 19:27

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.”

The nobleman's departure and return frame the parable.

Interpretation and theological stakes

The Parable of the Ten Minas offers rich theological insights into the nature of stewardship and the Kingdom of God. From a Catholic perspective, the parable emphasizes the responsibility of utilizing one's gifts for the growth of God's kingdom, reflecting the Church's teaching on the importance of works alongside faith. Reformed Protestant interpretation focuses on the parable's call to faithfulness and stewardship, highlighting the believer's accountability before Christ's return, aligning with the doctrine of Sola Fide. The Eastern Orthodox tradition views the parable as a call to spiritual vigilance and active participation in God's work, emphasizing the synergy between divine grace and human effort. The harsh judgment of the unfaithful servant and the nobleman's enemies serves as a sobering reminder of the final judgment, where faithfulness is rewarded, and rejection of God's reign is met with justice. Each tradition, while distinct, underscores the parable's call to active engagement in the life of faith, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Kingdom of God.

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